U.S. patent number 8,297,610 [Application Number 13/048,525] was granted by the patent office on 2012-10-30 for image forming apparatus and image forming method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Ryuuichi Shiraishi.
United States Patent |
8,297,610 |
Shiraishi |
October 30, 2012 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
Abstract
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that
forms images on sheets; a stack portion on which the sheets with
the images are stacked as a bundle of the sheets with first end
parts of the sheets aligned; a first binding unit that binds the
first end parts; a second binding unit that binds the first end
parts, by a binding method that requires a binding region larger
than that of the first binding unit; and a distance reducing unit
that changes a position of the bundle when bound by the first
binding unit, from a position of the bundle when bound by the
second binding unit, and reduces a distance between a part bound by
the second binding unit and the first end parts as compared with a
distance between a part bound by the first binding unit and the
first end parts.
Inventors: |
Shiraishi; Ryuuichi (Kanagawa,
JP) |
Assignee: |
Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. (Tokyo,
JP)
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Family
ID: |
45492960 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/048,525 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20120018943 A1 |
Jan 26, 2012 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Jul 21, 2010 [JP] |
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2010-163704 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
270/58.09;
270/58.11; 270/58.08 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B42B
4/00 (20130101); B42B 5/00 (20130101); B65H
37/04 (20130101); G03G 15/6544 (20130101); B65H
2301/43828 (20130101); B65H 2801/27 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65H
37/04 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;270/58.08,58.09,58.11,58.12,58.16,58.17 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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3885410 |
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Nov 2000 |
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JP |
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4044416 |
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Jun 2004 |
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JP |
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Primary Examiner: Mackey; Patrick
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sughrue Mion, PLLC
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image forming unit
that forms images on sheets; a stack portion on which the sheets
with the images formed by the image forming unit are stacked as a
bundle of the sheets such that first end parts of the sheets are
aligned; a first binding unit that binds the first end parts of the
bundle of sheets stacked on the stack portion; a second binding
unit that binds the first end parts of the bundle of sheets stacked
on the stack portion, by a binding method that requires a binding
region larger than a binding region of the first binding unit; and
a distance reducing unit that changes a position of the bundle of
sheets when the bundle of sheets is bound by the first binding
unit, from a position of the bundle of sheets when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the second binding unit, and reduces a distance
between a part bound by the second binding unit and the first end
parts as compared with a distance between a part bound by the first
binding unit and the first end parts.
2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
distance reducing unit determines the distance between the part
bound by the second binding unit and the first end parts so as to
be a predetermined distance or larger in accordance with a strength
of the sheets.
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
second binding unit forms a partially punched sheet piece in the
sheets such that part of the partially punched sheet piece is
coupled to the sheets, forms a cut, and inserts an end part of the
partially punched sheet piece into the cut.
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
second binding unit forms a partially punched sheet piece in the
sheets such that part of the partially punched sheet piece is
coupled to the sheets, forms a cut, and inserts an end part of the
partially punched sheet piece into the cut.
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the
stack portion includes an alignment member that aligns the first
end parts, and wherein the distance reducing unit changes the
distance between the part bound by the first binding unit and the
first end parts, from the distance between the part bound by the
second binding unit and the first end parts, by moving the
alignment member.
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the
stack portion includes an alignment member that aligns the first
end parts, and wherein the distance reducing unit changes the
distance between the part bound by the first binding unit and the
first end parts, from the distance between the part bound by the
second binding unit and the first end parts, by moving the
alignment member.
7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the
stack portion includes an alignment member that aligns the first
end parts, and wherein the distance reducing unit changes the
distance between the part bound by the first binding unit and the
first end parts, from the distance between the part bound by the
second binding unit and the first end parts, by moving the
alignment member.
8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the
stack portion includes an alignment member that aligns the first
end parts, and wherein the distance reducing unit changes the
distance between the part bound by the first binding unit and the
first end parts, from the distance between the part bound by the
second binding unit and the first end parts, by moving the
alignment member.
9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a distance changing unit that changes a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and an end of an image, the end
which is located close to the first end parts, when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and the end of the image when the
bundle of sheets is bound by the second binding unit.
10. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising a distance changing unit that changes a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and an end of an image, the end
which is located close to the first end parts, when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and the end of the image when the
bundle of sheets is bound by the second binding unit.
11. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, further
comprising a distance changing unit that changes a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and an end of an image, the end
which is located close to the first end parts, when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and the end of the image when the
bundle of sheets is bound by the second binding unit.
12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further
comprising a distance changing unit that changes a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and an end of an image, the end
which is located close to the first end parts, when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and the end of the image when the
bundle of sheets is bound by the second binding unit.
13. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further
comprising a distance changing unit that changes a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and an end of an image, the end
which is located close to the first end parts, when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and the end of the image when the
bundle of sheets is bound by the second binding unit.
14. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, further
comprising a distance changing unit that changes a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and an end of an image, the end
which is located close to the first end parts, when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and the end of the image when the
bundle of sheets is bound by the second binding unit.
15. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further
comprising a distance changing unit that changes a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and an end of an image, the end
which is located close to the first end parts, when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and the end of the image when the
bundle of sheets is bound by the second binding unit.
16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, further
comprising a distance changing unit that changes a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and an end of an image, the end
which is located close to the first end parts, when the bundle of
sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a distance between
the first end parts of the sheets and the end of the image when the
bundle of sheets is bound by the second binding unit.
17. An image forming method, comprising: forming images on sheets;
stacking the sheets with the images formed as a bundle of the
sheets such that first end parts of the sheets are aligned;
performing first binding processing of binding the first end parts
of the bundle of stacked sheets; performing second binding
processing of binding the first end parts of the bundle of stacked
sheets, by a binding method that requires a binding region larger
than a binding region of the first binding processing; and changing
a position of the bundle of sheets when the bundle of sheets is
bound by the first binding processing, from a position of the
bundle of sheets when the bundle of sheets is bound by the second
binding processing, and reducing a distance between a part bound by
the second binding processing and the first end parts as compared
with a distance between a part bound by the first binding
processing and the first end parts.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is based on and claims priority under 35 USC 119
from Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-163704 filed Jul. 21,
2010.
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an
image forming method.
SUMMARY
According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an image
forming apparatus including an image forming unit that forms images
on sheets; a stack portion on which the sheets with the images
formed by the image forming unit are stacked as a bundle of the
sheets such that first end parts of the sheets are aligned; a first
binding unit that binds the first end parts of the bundle of sheets
stacked on the stack portion; a second binding unit that binds the
first end parts of the bundle of sheets stacked on the stack
portion, by a binding method that requires a binding region larger
than a binding region of the first binding unit; and a distance
reducing unit that changes a position of the bundle of sheets when
the bundle of sheets is bound by the first binding unit, from a
position of the bundle of sheets when the bundle of sheets is bound
by the second binding unit, and reduces a distance between a part
bound by the second binding unit and the first end parts as
compared with a distance between a part bound by the first binding
unit and the first end parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described
in detail based on the following figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image
forming system to which an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention is applied;
FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the periphery
of a compiling stack portion;
FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the periphery
of the compiling stack portion when viewed in a direction indicated
by arrow III in FIG. 2;
FIGS. 4A to 4C are explanatory views each explaining a relationship
between an end guide and a sheet;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view explaining a structure of a binding
device;
FIGS. 6A to 6D are explanatory views explaining a configuration of
staple-less binding mechanism and a part processed by staple-less
binding processing;
FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic configuration diagrams showing parts
bound by a stapler and the staple-less binding mechanism;
FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory views each explaining a positional
relationship between a first end part Sa of a sheet S and an image
formed on the sheet S;
FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory views each explaining a positional
relationship between a bound part of a sheet and an image formed on
the sheet;
FIG. 10 is a side view showing the periphery of an end guide
according to other exemplary embodiment; and
FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory views each explaining a bundle of
sheets processed by stable-less binding processing according to
other exemplary embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in
detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Image Forming System 1
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image
forming system 1 to which an exemplary embodiment is applied. The
image forming system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming
apparatus 2, such as a printer or a copier, that forms an image,
for example, by an electrophotographic system; and a sheet
processing apparatus 3 that performs post-processing for a sheet S,
on which, for example, a toner image is formed by the image forming
apparatus 2.
Image Forming Apparatus 2
The image forming apparatus 2 includes a sheet supply section 6
that supplies a sheet S, on which an image is formed; and an image
forming section 5 that forms an image on the sheet S supplied from
the sheet supply section 6. Also, the image forming apparatus 2
includes a sheet reverse device 7 that reverses the surface of the
sheet S with the image formed by the image forming section 5; and
an output roller 9 that outputs the sheet S with the image formed
thereon. Further, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a user
interface 90 that receives information relating to binding
processing from a user.
It is to be noted that the image forming section 5, which is an
example of an image forming unit, may change the position of the
image to be formed on the sheet S. That is, a distance between an
end of the sheet S to the image to be formed may be changed.
The sheet supply section 6 includes a first sheet-supply stack
portion 61 and a second sheet-supply stack portion 62, in which
sheets S are stacked and which supply the sheets S to the image
forming section 5. Also, the sheet supply section 6 includes a
first sheet-supply sensor 63 that is provided in the first
sheet-supply stack portion 61 and detects the presence of a sheet
S; and a second sheet-supply sensor 64 that is provided in the
second sheet-supply stack portion 62 and detects the presence of a
sheet S.
Sheet Processing Apparatus 3
The sheet processing apparatus 3 includes a transport device 10
that transports the sheet S output from the image forming apparatus
2 to a further downstream side; and a post-processing device 30
including, for example, a compiling stack portion 35 that collects
and groups sheets S and a binding device 40 that binds end parts of
the sheets S. Also, the sheet processing apparatus 3 includes a
controller 80 that controls the entire image forming system 1.
The transport device 10 of the sheet processing apparatus 3
includes an entrance roller 11 including a pair of rollers that
receive the sheet S output through the output roller 9 of the image
forming apparatus 2; and a puncher 12 that makes holes if necessary
in the sheet S received by the entrance roller 11. Also, the
transport device 10 includes a first transport roller 13 provided
further downstream of the puncher 12 and including a pair of
rollers that transport the sheet S to the downstream side; and a
second transport roller 14 including a pair of rollers that
transport the sheet S toward the post-processing device 30.
The post-processing device 30 of the sheet processing apparatus 3
includes a receive roller 31 including a pair of rollers that
receive the sheet S from the transport device 10. Also, the
post-processing device 30 includes the compiling stack portion 35
that is provided downstream of the receive roller 31, collects
plural sheets S, and houses the sheets S; and an exit roller 34
including a pair of rollers that output the sheets S toward the
compiling stack portion 35.
Also, the post-processing device 30 includes a paddle 37 that
rotates to push the sheets S toward an end guide 35b (described
later) of the compiling stack portion 35. The post-processing
device 30 also includes a tamper 38 that aligns ends of the sheets
S. The post-processing device 30 further includes an eject roller
39 that transports a bundle of the bound sheets S by pressing the
sheets S stacked on the compiling stack portion 35 and by
rotating.
Further, the post-processing device 30 includes the binding device
40 that binds the end parts of the bundle of sheets S stacked on
the compiling stack portion 35. The post-processing device 30 also
includes an opening 69 through which the bundle of sheets S is
output to the outside of the post-processing device 30 by the eject
roller 39. The post-processing device 30 includes a stack portion
70 in which bundles of sheets S output from the opening 69 are
stacked such that the user easily picks up the bundles of sheets
S.
Structure Around Binding Unit
Next, the compiling stack portion 35 and the binding device 40
provided around the compiling stack portion 35 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4C. FIG. 2 is a schematic
configuration diagram showing the periphery of the compiling stack
portion 35. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the
periphery of the compiling stack portion 35 when viewed in a
direction indicated by arrow III in FIG. 2. FIGS. 4A to 4C are
explanatory views each explaining a relationship between the end
guide 35b and the sheet S. FIG. 4A is an explanatory view
explaining an operation of the end guide 35b. FIG. 4B is a
schematic view showing a position of a bound part when the end
guide 35b is close to a leading end part in a travel direction of a
sheet S that falls along a bottom portion 35a. FIG. 4C is a
schematic view showing a position of a bound part when the end
guide 35b is separated from the leading end part in the travel
direction of the sheet S that falls along the bottom portion
35a.
It is to be noted that FIG. 2 does not illustrate part of members
such as an end-guide spring 35c for simplification of illustration.
Also, the lower side in FIG. 3 indicates the user side of the image
forming system 1, and corresponds to the near side (the side facing
the viewer) of the drawings in FIGS. 1 and 2.
The compiling stack portion 35, which is an example of a stack
unit, includes the bottom portion 35a having an upper surface on
which the sheets S are stacked.
The bottom portion 35a is inclined such that the sheets S fall
along the upper surface. Also, the compiling stack portion 35
includes the end guide 35b arranged to align leading ends in the
travel direction of the sheets S falling along the bottom portion
35a.
Although it is described later in detail, regarding the movement of
the sheet S in the periphery of the compiling stack portion 35, the
sheet S is supplied toward the compiling stack portion 35 first
(see a first travel direction S1 in FIG. 2), and the travel
direction is reversed next, so that the sheet S falls along the
bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack portion 35 (see a second
travel direction S2 in FIG. 2). Then, ends of respective sheets S
are aligned, and a bundle of the sheets S is formed. The travel
direction of the bundle of sheets S is reversed, so that the bundle
of sheets S is moved upward along the bottom portion 35a of the
compiling stack portion 35 (see a third travel direction S3 in FIG.
2).
As shown in FIG. 3, in this exemplary embodiment, ends of the
bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack portion 35 are defined as
follows. An end at the leading side in the second travel direction
S2 indicative of the direction in which the sheet S falls along the
upper surface of the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack
portion 35 is called leading end part Ta. The leading end part Ta
contacts the end guide 35b. Also, an end extending in the second
travel direction S2 and located at the user side (lower side in
FIG. 3) of the image forming system 1 is called lateral end part
Tb. Further, a part arranged between the leading end part Ta and
the lateral end part Tb is called corner part Te.
As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, in this exemplary embodiment, parts of
a sheet S arranged on the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack
portion 35 are defined as follows. First, an end of the sheet S
that extends along the leading end part Ta and contacts the end
guide 35b is called first end part Sa. Also, an end that intersects
with the first end part Sa and extends along the lateral end part
Tb is called second end part Sb. Further, part of the sheet S
arranged between the first end part Sa and the second end part Sb
is called corner part Se.
As shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, an end near the first end part Sa, of
an image formed on the sheet S according to this exemplary
embodiment is called image end Ia.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the end guide 35b, which is an example of an
alignment member, is provided such that the end guide 35b may be
advanced to and retracted from the bottom portion 35a of the
compiling stack portion 35 (see arrows D1 and D2). Specifically,
the end guide 35b is configured as follows.
The end guide 35b is longer than the bottom portion 35a of the
compiling stack portion 35 in the vertical direction in FIG. 3. A
pair of end-guide springs 35c and a pair of solenoids 35d, which
are an example of a distance reducing unit, are connected to both
ends of the end guide 35b. The end-guide springs 35c and the
solenoids 35d are arranged at the same side (right side in FIG. 3)
of the end guide 35b. The end-guide springs 35c are compressed and
arranged to press the end guide 35b (see arrow D2). The solenoids
35d have extendable shafts. Tip ends of the shafts are connected to
the end guide 35b.
As shown in FIG. 4A, the end guide 35b is movable between a
position Pex close to the leading end part in the travel direction
of the sheet S that falls along the bottom portion 35a and a
position Pey separated from the leading end part in the travel
direction of the sheet S that falls along the bottom portion 35a.
The distance between the positions Pex and Pey is d0.
When the solenoids 35d are not actuated, the end guide 35b is
pressed by the compressed end-guide springs 35c and hence is
located at the position Pey separated from the leading end part in
the travel direction of the sheet S that falls along the bottom
portion 35a. In contrast, when the solenoids 35d are actuated, the
end guide 35b is attracted by the solenoids 35d and hence is
located at the position Pex close to the leading end part in the
travel direction of the sheet S that falls along the bottom portion
35a.
Now, a phenomenon that the position of a bound part of sheets is
shifted because the end guide 35b is moved will be described.
Described first is a state in which the end guide 35b is arranged
at the position Pex. The end guide 35b is arranged at the position
Pex, then the sheet S is supplied to the bottom portion 35a of the
compiling stack portion 35, and the first end part Sa of the sheet
S is arranged to contact the end guide 35b. If the binding
processing is performed in this state, the distance from the first
end part Sa to the part to be bound becomes small. In contrast, if
the end guide 35b is arranged at the position Pey, the sheet S is
arranged on the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack portion
35, and the binding processing is performed, the distance from the
first end part Sa to the part to be bound becomes large. More
detailed description will be given below.
If the end guide 35b is arranged at the position Pex and the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the binding processing,
the distance from an end of the bound part far from the first end
part Sa to the first end part Sa is a distance d1 (see FIG. 4B). In
contrast, if the end guide 35b is arranged at the position Pey and
the binding processing is performed, the distance from the end of
the bound part far from the first end part Sa to the first end part
Sa is a distance d2 (see FIG. 4C). The distance d2 is larger than
the distance d1. For example, the distance d2 is lager than the
distance d1 by about 3 to 5 mm.
A case where the staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the
binding processing (i.e., a staple-less bound part 51 is arranged,
described later in detail) has been described with reference to
FIGS. 4A to 4C; however, a stapler 45 may perform binding
processing (i.e., a staple 41 is arranged, described later in
detail). That is, the end guide 35b is configured to change the
distance from the first end part Sa of the sheet S to the bound
part when the binding processing is performed by any of the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 and the stapler 45.
Description goes back to respective members of the image forming
system 1. The paddle 37 is provided above the compiling stack
portion 35 and downstream of the exit roller 34 in the first travel
direction S1 of the sheet S. The paddle 37 is provided such that
the distance between the paddle 37 and the bottom portion 35a of
the compiling stack portion 35 is changed by driving of a motor or
the like (not shown). Specifically, the paddle 37 is provided
movably in directions indicated by arrows U1 and U2 in FIG. 2. When
the paddle 37 moves in the direction indicated by arrow U1, the
paddle 37 is arranged close to the bottom portion 35a of the
compiling stack portion 35 (position Pb illustrated by solid
lines). When the paddle 37 moves in the direction indicated by
arrow U2, the paddle 37 is separated from the bottom portion 35a of
the compiling stack portion 35 (position Pa illustrated by broken
lines). The paddle 37 pushes the sheet S transported in the first
travel direction S1 in FIG. 2, into the second travel direction S2
on the compiling stack portion 35 by rotation of the paddle 37 in a
direction indicated by arrow R in FIG. 2.
The tamper 38 (see FIG. 1) includes a first tamper 38a and a second
tamper 38b that face each other with the compiling stack portion 35
arranged therebetween. Specifically, the first tamper 38a and the
second tamper 38b are arranged to face each other in a direction
(vertical direction in FIG. 3) intersecting with the second travel
direction S2. The distance between first tamper 38a and the second
tamper 38b is changed by driving of a motor or the like (not
shown).
The tamper 38 aligns the ends in the travel direction of the sheets
S that fall along the bottom portion 35a. Specifically, the first
tamper 38a moves (arrows C1 and C2) between a position close to the
compiling stack portion 35 (position Pax illustrated by solid
lines) and a position separated from the compiling stack portion 35
(position Pay illustrated by broken lines). The second tamper 38b
moves (arrows C3 and C4) between a position close to the compiling
stack portion 35 (position Pbx illustrated by solid lines) and a
position separated from the compiling stack portion 35 (position
Pby illustrated by broken lines).
The positions Pax, Pay, Pbx, and Pby of the first tamper 38a and
the second tamper 38b according to this exemplary embodiment are
selectable in accordance with the size and orientation of the
sheets S supplied to the compiling stack portion 35.
The eject roller 39 includes a first eject roller 39a and a second
eject roller 39b. The first eject roller 39a and the second eject
roller 39b are arranged above and below the bottom portion 35a of
the compiling stack portion 35 and face each other with the bottom
portion 35a arranged therebetween.
The first eject roller 39a is provided at a side near a surface of
the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack portion 35, the
surface on which the sheets S are stacked. Further, the first eject
roller 39a may be advanced to and retracted from the second eject
roller 39b by driving of a motor or the like (not shown). That is,
the first eject roller 39a is configured such that the distance
between the first eject roller 39a and the sheets S stacked on the
bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack portion 35 is changeable.
In contrast, the second eject roller 39b is arranged at a side near
a back surface of the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack
portion 35, the back surface on which the sheets S are not stacked.
The position of the second eject roller 39b is fixed and is
available for only rotational movement.
Specifically, when the first eject roller 39a moves in a direction
indicated by arrow Q1, the first eject roller 39a is arranged close
to the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack portion 35
(position P2 illustrated by broken lines). In contrast, when the
first eject roller 39a moves in a direction indicated by arrow Q2,
the first eject roller 39a is separated from the bottom portion 35a
of the compiling stack portion 35 (position P1 illustrated by solid
lines).
The first eject roller 39a receives driving of a motor or the like
(not shown) while the first eject roller 39a contacts the sheet S,
and is rotated in a T1 direction. Accordingly, the bundle of sheets
S is moved upward (in the third travel direction S3) and
transported.
The positions P1 and P2 of the first eject roller 39a may be
changed in accordance with the number and thickness of sheets S
that are supplied to the compiling stack portion 35.
Binding Device 40
Next, the binding device 40 will be described with reference to
FIGS. 3 and 6A to 6D. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view explaining a
structure of the binding device 40. FIGS. 6A to 6D are explanatory
views explaining a configuration of a staple-less binding mechanism
50 and a part processed by the staple-less binding processing. FIG.
6A is an illustration explaining a configuration of the staple-less
binding mechanism 50. FIG. 6B is an illustration explaining a slit
521 and a tongue 522 that are formed in the sheets S. FIG. 6C is an
illustration explaining an operation of inserting the tongue 522
into the slit 521. FIG. 6D is an illustration explaining a part
bound by the staple-less binding mechanism 50.
The binding device 40 includes the stapler 45, which is an example
of a first binding unit; and the staple-less binding mechanism 50,
which is an example of a second binding unit. The stapler 45 binds
the end parts of the bundle of sheets S housed in the compiling
stack portion 35 by pushing a staple 41 (described later) one by
one into the sheets S. The staple-less binding mechanism 50 binds
the end parts of the bundle of sheets S housed in the compiling
stack portion 35 by processing part of the sheets S without using
the staple 41. The stapler 45 and the staple-less binding mechanism
50 are coupled to each other through a joint 48, and are
continuously provided in a direction along the leading end part
Ta.
The stapler 45 is arranged at the user side (lower side in FIG. 3)
of the image forming system 1 with respect to the staple-less
binding mechanism 50. Since the stapler 45 is arranged at the user
side (lower side in FIG. 3), maintenance work for the stapler 45,
such as supplement of staples 41 etc., may be easily carried
out.
The stapler 45 uses the staples 41. In contrast, the staple-less
binding mechanism 50 does not use a member that requires supplement
of, for example, the staples 41. Therefore, the frequency of the
maintenance work for the stapler 45 is higher than the frequency of
the maintenance work for the staple-less binding mechanism 50.
Hence, it is desirable to easily carry out the work for the stapler
45.
The binding device 40 is arranged on a rail 44. The binding device
40 is movable in a direction (see arrow A) along the leading end
part Ta by a motor (not shown). Accordingly, the stapler 45 and the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 may perform the binding processing
at any position at the leading end part Ta of the bottom portion
35a.
Stapler 45
The stapler 45 performs the binding processing at the corner part
Te of the bottom portion 35a in addition to the leading end part Ta
of the bottom portion 35a. For this point, the stapler 45 differs
from the staple-less binding mechanism 50 that performs the binding
processing only at the leading end part Ta of the bottom portion
35a.
Specifically, the stapler 45 is configured as follows.
The stapler 45 includes a rotation shaft 47 at a side close to the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 and at the leading end part Ta.
The rotation shaft 47 is coupled to a motor (not shown).
By driving of the motor (not shown), the stapler 45 is rotatable
around the rotation shaft 47 (see arrow B). That is, the stapler 45
swings. The stapler 45 is rotatable independently from the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 while the stapler 45 is
continuously coupled to the staple-less binding mechanism 50
through the joint 48. The rotation of the stapler 45 does not cause
the staple-less binding mechanism 50 to move.
The stapler 45 binds the end parts of the bundle of sheets S housed
in the compiling stack portion 35 by pushing a staple 41 (described
later) one by one into the sheets S. In particular, when a stapler
motor (not shown) is driven, the stapler 45 pushes a single staple
41 (described later) into the bundle of sheets S. The staple 41 is
pushed into the bundle of sheets S and ends of the staple 41 are
bent at the opposite side of the bundle of sheets S. Thus, the
bundle of sheets S is bound. The pushed staple 41 is arranged at
the corner parts Se of the sheets S, in an oblique state with
respect to the first end parts Sa of the sheets S.
Staple-less Binding Mechanism 50
The staple-less binding mechanism 50 binds the end parts of the
bundle of sheets S housed in the compiling stack portion 35 without
using the staple 41. Specifically, the staple-less binding
mechanism 50 is configured as follows.
The staple-less binding mechanism 50 includes a base 501 and a body
503 arranged to face each other. As shown in FIG. 6A, the body 503
is moved toward the base 501 (in a F1 direction in the drawing)
while the bundle of sheets S is pinched by the base 501, so that
the bundle of sheets S is bound.
The base 501 is provided with a bottom member 502 that is arranged
substantially in parallel to the base 501 to cause the sheets S to
be pinched between the base 501 and the bottom member 502. The base
501 also includes a protrusion 506 that extends toward the body 503
and is integrally formed with the base 501.
The body 503 includes a blade 504 that makes a cut in the bundle of
sheets S, and a punching member 505 that forms the tongue 522
(described later) in the bundle of sheets S, bends the tongue 522,
and inserts the tongue 522 into the cut formed by the blade
504.
The blade 504 is made of a substantially rectangular plate member
extending toward the bundle of sheets S pinched between the base
501 and the bottom member 502. Specifically, the blade 504 has an
eyelet hole 504a in the substantially rectangular surface, and a
tip end portion 504b with a width that is decreased toward the
sheets S.
The punching member 505 is a member including a substantially
L-shaped bent part. One end part of the punching member 505 is a
first portion 505a and the other end part is a second portion
505b.
The punching member 505 includes a first-portion rotation shaft
505r provided at the substantially L-shaped bent part. The punching
member 505 is rotatable around the first-portion rotation shaft
505r. More specifically, the first portion 505a may be inclined
toward the blade 504. It is to be noted that a gap is provided
between the second portion 505b and the body 503 so that the
punching member 505 is rotatable.
The first portion 505a extends toward the base 501. Also, the first
portion 505a has a cutting edge 505c at a side opposite to a side
provided with the first-portion rotation shaft 505r, i.e., at a
side facing the base 501. The cutting edge 505c has a cutting edge
that punches the shape of the tongue 522. The cutting edge 505c
does not have a cutting edge at a side facing the blade 504, and is
configured such that the tongue 522 continuously arranged with the
sheets S at one end 522a (described later). Further, the first
portion 505a includes a protrusion 505d at a lateral side of the
first portion 505a, in particular, at a side facing the blade 504.
The protrusion 505d extends toward the blade 504.
The operation for performing the binding processing by the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 is as follows.
A staple-less binding motor (not shown) is driven, the body 503
moves toward the base 501, and the tip end portion 504b of the
blade 504 and the cutting edge 505c of the punching member 505
penetrate through the bundle of sheets S. Then, as shown in FIG.
6B, formed in the bundle of sheets S as the result of the
penetration are the slit 521, which is an example of a cut, and the
tongue 522, which is an example of a partially punched sheet piece,
made by punching the bundle of sheets S while the one end 522a is
not cut.
When the body 503 is further pushed down, the second portion 505b
of the punching member 505 contacts the protrusion 506 integrally
formed with the base 501, and the punching member 505 rotates
clockwise in FIG. 6A around the first-portion rotation shaft 505r.
Accordingly, the first portion 505a is inclined toward the blade
504, and the protrusion 505d of the punching member 505 becomes
close to the blade 504. The protrusion 505d of the punching member
505 bends the tongue 522 as shown in FIG. 6C, and pushes the tongue
522 in a F2 direction in the drawing toward the eyelet hole 504a of
the blade 504. It is to be noted that FIG. 6C does not illustrates
the punching member 505.
In this state, the body 503 is separated from the base 501. In
particular, the body 503 is moved upward in a F3 direction in the
drawing, and the body 503 is moved upward while the tongue 522 is
hooked to the eyelet hole 504a of the blade 504. As shown in FIG.
6D, the tongue 522 is inserted into the slit 521. Thus, the bundle
of sheets S is bound. The bundle of sheets S has a binding hole 523
from which the tongue 522 is punched.
Comparison Between Bound Parts
Next, the parts bound by the stapler 45 and the staple-less binding
mechanism 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic configuration diagrams showing the
parts bound by the stapler 45 and the staple-less binding mechanism
50.
The staple 41 is arranged at the part bound by the stapler 45. In
contrast, a staple-less bound part 51 is formed at the part bound
by the staple-less binding mechanism 50.
The staple 41 and the staple-less bound part 51 are arranged so as
not to overlap an image to be formed on the sheets S. This
arrangement is to prevent the formed image from being hard to be
unrecognized.
The staple-less bound part 51 has a larger length in the width
direction (length L2X) than the length in the width direction
(length L1X) of the staple 41. The staple-less bound part 51 has a
larger length in the longitudinal direction (length L2Y) than the
length in the longitudinal direction (length L1Y) of the staple 41.
Accordingly, the area of the needle-less bound part 51 is larger
than the area of the staple 41.
This exemplary embodiment employs the configuration in which the
staple 41 provides the binding processing at the corner part Te of
the bottom portion 35a because the length in the longitudinal
direction of the staple 41 is smaller than that of the staple-less
bound part 51. If the staple-less bound part 51 with the larger
length in the longitudinal direction is obliquely arranged at the
corner part Te of the bottom portion 35a, the staple-less bound
part 51 is arranged close to the center part of the sheets S, and
hence may occasionally overlap the image formed on the sheets
S.
Further, the staple-less bound part 51 has the binding hole 523 at
the position from which the tongue 522 is punched. As the result,
part between the binding hole 523 and the first end parts Sa of the
sheets S are likely ripped. In particular, if another member is
inserted through the binding hole 523 formed in the sheets S for
filing, the sheets S are more likely ripped. When the staple-less
bound part 51 is arranged, the staple-less bound part 51 has to be
arranged at a position separated from the first end parts Sa of the
sheets S by a predetermined distance.
In other words, the staple-less bound part 51 requires a binding
margin larger than that of the staple 41. The binding margin is an
edge part of a sheet S without an image. For example, the binding
margin located close to the first end part Sa of the sheet S is
part extending from the image end Ia close to the first end part Sa
of the sheet S to the first end part Sa.
To prevent the sheets S from being ripped, the required distance
from the staple-less bound part 51 to the first end parts Sa of the
sheets S varies in accordance with the strength of the material of
the sheets S to be bound and the number of sheets S to be
bound.
Operation of Image Forming System 1
Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 will be described
with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4C. Described here is a case where the
stapler 45 of the binding device 40 performs the binding processing
at the leading end part Ta.
First, the respective members are arranged as follows before a
toner image is formed on a first sheet S by the image forming
section 5 of the image forming apparatus 2. The first eject roller
39a is arranged at the position P1, the paddle 37 is arranged at
the position Pa, the first tamper 38a is arranged at the position
Pay, and the second tamper 38b is arranged at the position Pbx.
Also, the end guide 35b is arranged at the position Pey separated
from the bottom portion 35a.
Then, the toner image is formed on the first sheet S by the image
forming section 5 of the image forming apparatus 2. As shown in
FIG. 1, the first sheet S with the toner image formed is reversed
if necessary by the sheet reverse device 7. Then, the first sheet S
is supplied to the sheet processing apparatus 3 through the output
roller 9 one by one.
The transport device 10 of the sheet processing apparatus 3 to
which the first sheet S is supplied receives the first sheet S by
the entrance roller 11, and performs punching for the first sheet S
if necessary by the puncher 12. Then, the first sheet S is
transported toward the downstream-side post-processing device 30
through the first transport roller 13 and the second transport
roller 14.
The post-processing device 30 receives the first sheet S from the
receive roller 31. The first sheet S passed through the receive
roller 31 is transported in the first travel direction S1 by the
exit roller 34. At this time, the first sheet S is transported so
as to pass through a position between the compiling stack portion
35 and the first eject roller 39a and through a position between
the compiling stack portion 35 and the paddle 37.
After the leading end of the first sheet S in the first travel
direction S1 passes through the position between the compiling
stack portion 35 and the paddle 37, the paddle 37 moves downward
from the position Pa (moves in the direction indicated by arrow U1
in FIG. 2) and is arranged at the position Pb. Hence, the paddle 37
contacts the first sheet S. The first sheet S is pushed into the
second travel direction S2 in FIG. 2 by the rotation of the paddle
37 in the direction indicated by arrow R in FIG. 2. The end of the
first sheet S close to the end guide 35b contacts the end guide
35b. Then, the paddle 37 moves upward (moves in the direction
indicated by arrow U2 in FIG. 2), is separated from the first sheet
S1, and is located at the position Pa again.
Further, the first sheet S is received by the compiling stack
portion 35, and the end near the end guide 35b reaches the end
guide 35b. Then, the first tamper 38a moves close to the compiling
stack portion 35 from the position Pay (moves in the direction
indicated by arrow C2 in FIG. 3), and is arranged at the position
Pax. At this time, the second tamper 38b is still arranged at the
position Pbx. Accordingly, the first tamper 38a pushes the first
sheet S, and the first sheet S contacts the second tamper 38b.
Then, the first tamper 38a moves away from the compiling stack
portion 35 (moves in the direction indicated by arrow C1 in FIG.
3). Accordingly, the first tamper 38a is separated from the first
sheet S and is arranged at the position Pay again.
When second and later sheets S having toner images formed by the
image forming section 5 and following the first sheet S are
supplied successively to the post-processing device 30, the paddle
37 and the tamper 38 align the ends of the sheets S in a manner
similar to the above-described operation. The second sheet S is
supplied after the first sheet S is aligned, and the second sheet S
is aligned with the first sheet S. The similar operation is
performed also when third and later sheets are supplied.
Accordingly, sheets S are housed in the compiling stack portion 35
by a predetermined number, ends of the sheets S are aligned, and a
bundle of the sheets S is formed.
Then, the first eject roller 39a moves downward form the position
P1 (moves in the direction indicated by arrow Q1 in FIG. 2), and is
arranged at the position P2. Accordingly, the bundle of aligned
sheets S is pinched between and fixed by the first eject roller 39a
and the second eject roller 39b.
The stapler 45 binds end parts of the sheets S stacked on the
compiling stack portion 35. Specifically, the motor (not shown)
moves the binding device 40 along the rail 44 (see arrow A) to
arrange the binding device 40 such that the stapler 45 faces a part
to be bound. Then, the stapler motor (not shown) is driven to push
the staple 41 into the sheets S. Thus, the binding processing is
performed. At this time, the distance from an end of the staple 41
at a side far from the first end part Sa to the first end part Sa
is a distance d2.
The bundle of sheets S bound by the stapler 45 is output from the
compiling stack portion 35 by rotation of the first eject roller
39a (arrow T1 in FIG. 2). The bundle of sheets S passes through the
opening 69, and output to the stack portion 70.
Binding Processing Operation for Corner Part Te
Next, the operation when the stapler 45 performs the binding
processing at the corner part Te of the bottom portion 35a will be
described. Here, part of the operation different from the operation
of the image forming system 1 will be described.
After the bundle of aligned sheets S is pinched between and fixed
by the first eject roller 39a and the second eject roller 39b, the
binding device 40 moves along the rail 44 by driving of the motor
(not shown) and becomes close to the corner part Te of the bottom
portion 35a.
At the position of the binding device 40 close to the corner part
Te, the stapler 45 is rotated (see arrow B) by rotation of the
motor (not shown). Specifically, the stapler 45 moves from the
position at which the stapler 45 is arranged continuously from the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 (see stapler 45 illustrated by
broken lines in FIG. 5) to the position at which the stapler 45
faces the corner part Te of the bottom portion 35a (see stapler 45
illustrated by solid lines in FIG. 5). In other words, the stapler
45 and the staple-less binding mechanism 50 are integrally arranged
because the stapler 45 and the staple-less binding mechanism 50 are
coupled to each other through the joint 48. When the stapler 45 is
rotated around the rotation shaft 47, the stapler 45 moves away
from the staple-less binding mechanism 50 while being coupled to
the staple-less binding mechanism 50 through the joint 48.
The angle of the stapler 45 is changed, and the stapler motor (not
shown) is driven at the position at which the stapler 45 faces the
corner part Te. Accordingly, the staple 41 is pushed into the
sheets S.
The stapler 45 may be rotated (see arrow B) although the position
of the staple-less binding mechanism 50 is not moved (for example,
the staple-less binding mechanism 50 is not rotated). For example,
when the stapler 45 faces the corner part Te, a protruding length
of the binding device 40 in the outer peripheral direction of the
compiling stack portion 35 becomes smaller in a case where only the
stapler 45 is rotated as compared with the protruding length in a
case where the stapler 45 and the staple-less binding mechanism 50
are rotated. Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, only the
stapler 45 is rotated. Hence, the size of the sheet processing
apparatus 3 may be reduced.
The rotation of the stapler 45 by driving of the motor is described
as a changing unit that changes the angle of the stapler 45.
However, it is not limited thereto.
For example, the stapler 45 may include a substantially hook-like
member, and the rail 44 may include a protrusion at a position near
the corner part Te, so that the protrusion engages with the
substantially hook-like member. When the binding device 40 becomes
close to the corner part Te, the substantially hook-like member
engages with the protrusion. The stapler 45 receives the engagement
force, and the stapler 45 is rotated around the rotation shaft
47.
Alternatively, part of the rail 44, on which the binding device 40
is mounted, may be curved. In particular, part of the straight rail
44 close to the corner part Te is curved toward the corner part Te.
When the binding device 40 becomes close to the corner part Te, the
stapler 45 receives a force from the curved part of the rail 44, so
that the stapler 45 is pressed toward the corner part Te. The
stapler 45 receives the force, and the stapler 45 is rotated around
the rotation shaft 47.
Binding Processing Operation of Staple-less Binding Mechanism
50
Next, the operation when the staple-less binding mechanism 50
performs the binding processing at the leading end part Ta will be
described.
As described above, the staple-less bound part 51 has a larger area
than the area of the staple 41. Hence, if the transport position of
sheets S in the image forming system 1 varies, the staple-less
bound part 51 with a larger area may likely overlap an image. Thus,
when the staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the binding
processing, the distance from the image to the bound part has to be
sufficient to reliably avoid the overlap between the image and the
bound part.
To provide the sufficient distance from the image to the bound part
to avoid the overlap between the image and the bound part,
according to an exemplary embodiment, the end of the image formed
on the sheet S is shifted. In other words, this exemplary
embodiment is that the area of the binding margin is increased.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the position of the
bound part on the sheet S is shifted away from the image.
By using any of the two exemplary embodiments, the distance may be
sufficiently provided from the image to the bound part to reliably
avoid the overlap between the image and the bound part. Also, the
two exemplary embodiments may be used together. The respective
exemplary embodiments will be described below.
Shift of Image
First, the exemplary embodiment in which the end of the image to be
formed on the sheet S is shifted will be described with reference
to FIGS. 1, and 8A and 8B. Described here is only part of the
operation different from the operation of the image forming system
1 when the stapler 45 performs the binding processing at the
leading end part Ta.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are explanatory views each explaining a positional
relationships between the first end part Sa of the sheet S and the
image formed on the sheet S. FIG. 8A illustrates the positional
relationship between the sheet S and the image when the stapler 45
performs the binding processing, and FIG. 8B illustrates the
positional relationship between the sheet S and the image when the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the binding
processing.
When the staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the binding
processing, the controller 80, which is an example of a distance
changing unit, sends a control signal to the image forming section
5 so that the position of the image to be formed by the image
forming section 5 is changed before the image forming section 5
forms the image on the sheet S. When the image forming section 5
receives the signal, the image forming section 5 changes the
distance from the end of the sheet S to the image to be formed,
from a distance when the stapler 45 performs the binding
processing.
Specifically, the operation is as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. The
image forming section 5 is controlled such that the distance from
the image end Ia, which is the end of the image near the first end
part Sa, to the first end part Sa when the stapler 45 performs the
binding processing differs from the distance when the staple-less
binding mechanism 50 performs the binding processing.
When the stapler 45 performs the binding processing, the distance
from the image end Ia to the first end part Sa is a distance ds.
When the staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the binding
processing, the distance from the image end Ia to the first end
part Sa is a distance dt. The distance dt is larger than the
distance ds. For example, the distance dt is lager than the
distance ds by about 3 to 5 mm.
Since the position of the image is changed, the larger binding
margin is formed when the staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs
the binding processing. Accordingly, the overlap between the image
and the bound part may be reliably avoided.
In this exemplary embodiment, when the image forming section 5
forms the image on the sheet S, the size etc. of the image is not
changed, but only the position of the image is changed. In other
words, this exemplary embodiment is that the image to be formed on
the sheet S is shifted on the sheet S.
However, it is not limited thereto, and another configuration may
be made as long as the configuration provides a larger binding
margin when the staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the
binding processing.
For example, the scale of the image to be formed may be changed
between the case where the stapler 45 performs the binding
processing and the case where the staple-less binding mechanism 50
performs the binding processing. Specifically, the entire image may
be scaled down without the center of the image being shifted in the
case where the staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the
binding processing, with reference to the image in the case where
the stapler 45 performs the binding.
Further, the image may be processed. Specifically, the aspect ratio
of the image may be changed in the case where the staple-less
binding mechanism 50 performs the binding processing, with
reference to the image in the case where the stapler 45 performs
the binding processing. That is, the image may be scaled down only
in a direction intersecting with the first end part Sa of the sheet
S without the center of the image in that direction being
shifted.
The respective exemplary embodiments may be combined. That is, the
image to be formed on the sheet S may be scaled down and also the
image may be shifted. Alternatively, the aspect ratio of the image
to be formed on the sheet S may be changed and also the image may
be shifted.
Shift of Bound Part
Next, the exemplary embodiment in which the position of the bound
part on the sheet S is shifted will be described with reference to
FIGS. 1, 4A to 4C, and 9A and 9B.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory views each explaining a positional
relationship between the bound part and the image formed on the
sheet S. FIG. 9A illustrates the positional relationship between
the staple 41 and the image, and FIG. 9B illustrates the positional
relationship between the staple-less bound part 51 and the
image.
First, the case where the stapler 45 performs the binding
processing is described as a subject of comparison. Before the
image forming section 5 forms the image, the controller 80 sends a
control signal to the solenoid 35d such that the end guide 35b is
arranged at a designated position.
If the stapler 45 performs the binding processing, the solenoid 35d
is not actuated, and the end guide 35b is arranged at the position
Pey. When the sheets S are arranged on the bottom portion 35a of
the compiling stack portion 35 and the binding processing is
performed, the distance from the first end part Sa to the end of
the bound part (staple 41) near the image is a distance d2. Also,
the distance from the end of the bound part near the image to the
image end Ia is a distance du.
If the staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the binding
processing, the solenoid 35d is actuated, and the end guide 35b is
arranged at the position Pex. When the sheets S are arranged on the
bottom portion 35a of the compiling stack portion 35 and the
binding processing is performed, the distance from the first end
part Sa to the end of the bound part (staple-less bound part 51)
near the image is a distance d1. Also, the distance from the end of
the bound part near the image to the image end Ia is a distance
dv.
Here, the distance dv is equal to or larger than the distance du.
For example, the distance dv is lager than the distance du by about
3 to 5 mm.
Since the position of the end guide 35b is changed, as the result,
the distance dv becomes larger than the distance du. Accordingly,
the overlap between the image and the bound part may be reliably
avoided.
The distance d1 is smaller than the distance d2 as described above.
In a related matter, if the position of the staple-less bound part
51 becomes close to the first end parts Sa of the sheets S, the
sheets S may be likely ripped. That is, if the distance (see
distance dw) from the end of the staple-less bound part 51 near the
first end part Sa to the first end part Sa is small, the sheets S
may be likely ripped. Hence, the distance dw has to be equal to a
larger than a width required for preventing the sheets S from being
ripped.
Other Exemplary Embodiments
Now, other exemplary embodiment for moving the end guide 35b will
be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a side view
showing the periphery of an end guide 35b for other exemplary
embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10, an actuation plate 35e is provided below the
end guide 35b. The actuation plate 35e extends in a direction
intersecting with the bottom portion 35a. Also, an end-guide spring
35c is connected to one side of the actuation plate 35e, at a
position at which the end-guide spring 35c does not interrupt the
operation of the binding device 40. Another end of the end-guide
spring 35c opposite to the end that is connected to the actuation
plate 35e is fixed to, for example, a housing (not shown) of the
post-processing device 30. Also, a solenoid 35d is provided at a
side of the actuation plate 35e opposite to the side arranged with
the end-guide spring 35c. The solenoid 35d is fixed to, for
example, the housing (not shown) of the post-processing device 30.
When the solenoid 35d is actuated, the end guide 35b is attracted
and is arranged at a position Pex at which the end guide 35b is
close to the leading end part in the travel direction of the sheet
S that falls along the bottom portion 35a, and when the solenoid
35d is not actuated, the end guide 35b is arranged at a position
Pey at which the end guide 35b is separated from the leading end
part in the travel direction of the sheet S that falls along the
bottom portion 35a.
In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the position of the
binding device 40 is not moved in the direction intersecting with
the first end part Sa of the sheet S (i.e., direction along the
second end part Sb). However, it is not limited thereto. For
example, the binding device 40 may be provided on a stage movable
in the direction intersecting with the rail 44. Also, a solenoid
35d that moves the stage in the direction intersecting with the
rail 44 may be connected. By driving the solenoid 35d, the binding
device 40 may be moved in the direction intersecting with the first
end part Sa of the sheet S. With this configuration, the distance
from the first end part Sa of the sheet S to the bound part may be
changed.
Further, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 performs the binding processing by
the tongue 522 and the slit 521. However, it is not limited
thereto.
Now, other exemplary embodiments of the staple-less binding
mechanism 50 are described with reference to FIGS. 11A and 11B.
FIGS. 11A and 11B are explanatory illustrations each explaining a
bundle of sheets after staple-less binding processing is performed
according to other exemplary embodiments. FIG. 11A illustrates an
exemplary embodiment for binding processing by making cuts with
substantially arrow-like shapes. FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary
embodiment for binding processing by embossing to form embossed
marks 512.
In the exemplary embodiment of binding shown in FIG. 11A,
substantially arrow-like cuts 511 are formed in part of a bundle of
sheets S. The substantially arrow-like cuts 511 are punched such
that ends of bar parts remain and are arranged continuously from
the sheets S. The substantially arrow-like cuts 511 are bent upward
and the bent arrow-like cuts 511 engage with the hole. Thus, the
bundle of sheets S is retained.
In contrast, in the exemplary embodiment of binding shown in FIG.
11B, the embossed marks 512 are formed in part of a bundle of
sheets S. Thus, the bundle of sheets S is bound. In particular, a
member that forms the embossed marks 512 is pressed from the upper
surface in the drawing of the bundle of sheets S shown in FIG. 11B
toward the opposite surface of the bundle of sheets S. Accordingly,
recesses are formed in the surface where the bundle of sheets S
shown in FIG. 11B is observed (i.e., protrusions are formed in the
opposite surface). Thus, binding processing is performed.
Further, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 5, the stapler 45 and the staple-less binding mechanism 50 of
the binding device 40 respectively have heads, and the head of the
stapler 45 is rotated (see arrow B in FIG. 5). However, it is not
limited thereto. For example, the stapler 45 and the staple-less
binding mechanism 50 may have a single head, and only a member that
is included in the stapler 45 and pushes the staple 41 into the
sheets may be rotated.
Further, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the binding
device 40 includes the single stapler 45 and the single staple-less
binding mechanism 50. However, it is not limited thereto. For
example, the binding device 40 may include two staplers 45, and the
staple-less binding mechanism 50 may be provided between the two
staplers 45. With this configuration, the staple 41 may be
obliquely arranged at a corner part that is a corner part near the
first end part Sa of the sheet S and is different from the corner
part Se.
The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the
present invention has been provided for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.
Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to
practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the invention
and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in
the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and
with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the following claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *